| 2004 Wilridge Wines | OUR WINES |
||||
Click on any year to learn more about a particular vintages of Wilridge Wine. |
|||||
|
|||||
2004 |
|
||||
| 2004 Pinot Grigio, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley Appellation $16 | |||||
| Vineyards: Evergreen Vineyards is owned by longtime
Washington wine-grape grower Butch Milbrandt. The vineyard is located near
George, Washington, in a cooler portion of the Columbia Valley that is perfect
for growing white grape varietals. The vineyard is located on top of a basalt
outcrop and has a spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge. The grapes
seem to like being able to "see the water."
Winemaking: The grapes were picked on September 16 at 21.3° brix, .62 TA and 3.17 pH. The grapes were hand harvested, delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, hand sorted, and gently pressed in whole clusters. The wine was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, clean aromas of the Pinot Grigio grapes. 109 cases were bottled on May 5, 2005. Winemaker Comments: "Pinot Grigio is Italy's most popular white wine grape varietal and was a logical choice when I decided to make an Italian white to complement my Italian red, Nebbiolo. I made this wine in a truly Italian style by harvesting early, using a cold fermentation and eschewing oak barrels. The result is a crisp and refreshing wine that emphasizes the citrus fruit aspects of Pinot Grigio. It's a very different style of wine from the Pinot Gris (same grape) made in France (and Oregon) with oak aging. The lemony flavors make it a perfect seafood and summer sipping wine." Tasting Notes: Light gold in color with hints of green. The lemon flavors start with the aroma, continue in the mid-palate and linger on the finish. The wine is bone dry and light in body -- very refreshing. Status: Available |
|||||
|
|||||
| 2004 Viognier, Elephant Mountain Vineyard, Yakima Valley Appellation $16 | |||||
| Vineyards: Elephant Mountain Vineyard is located high
on a South-facing slope of the Yakima Valley at the base of the Mountain
of the same name. The vineyard is enclosed by a natural amphitheater that
protects the grapes and concentrates the sun's warmth. The long growing season
and cool night-time temperatures at the vineyard are perfect for growing
Rhone grape varieties such as Viognier.
Winemaking: The grapes were picked on October 8 at 24.5° brix, .70 TA and 3.38 pH. They were hand harvested, delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, hand sorted, and gently pressed in whole clusters. The wine was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, fruity aromatics that characterize Viognier. 134 cases were bottled on May 5, 2005. Winemaker Comments: "Viognier is the great white grape of the northern Rhone Valley of France. I love it for its depth of flavor and exotic aromas of stone and citrus fruits. I sometimes describe it as like a cross between Riesling and Chardonnay -- it has strong aromatics like a Riesling, but also the richness and fat of a Chardonnay -- but it really has a completely unique flavor profile. I made the 2004 in an off-dry style to highlight the fruity aromas of the wine. It's a versatile food wine (try it with Asian cuisine) but also has the flavor and structure to stand on its own. Take it on a picnic with a fruit salad on a warm summer day." Tasting Notes: Straw yellow in color. The nose is redolent with aromas of white peaches and grapefruit. Slightly sweet on the attack, it finishes with refreshing acidity. Medium bodied and meant for immediate enjoyment. "Wilridge's Secret is the quality of its raw materials" -The Wine Spectator Status: Available |
|||||
|
|||||
| 2004 Semillon, Artz Vineyard, Red Mountain Appellation $16 | |||||
| Vineyards: Artz Vineyard is located next to the acclaimed
Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain. Both vineyards are managed by Fred Artz,
who has been working with Wilridge Winemaker Paul Beveridge since 1990. Over
the years, Klipsun has paid Fred a bonus in land, which he has turned into
his personal vineyard. Fred uses the experience he has gained at Klipsun
to grow superb grapes at Artz Vineyard.
Winemaking: The grapes were hand harvested on September 12 at 24.0° brix, .63 TA and 3.19 pH. They were delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, hand sorted, and gently pressed in whole clusters. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 6 months in brand new French-oak barrels. Twenty percent Sauvignon Blanc was added to make the final blend. 97 cases were bottled May 5, 2005. Winemaker Comments: "Semillon may be Washington State's best white varietal. My 2004 is rich, flavorful, and designed to improve in the bottle for several years. I made this version in classic white Bordeaux style, including blending in 20% Sauvignon Blanc, and aging the wine in new French-oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was prevented to preserve the crisp acidity of the wine. It's not quite as dry as the 2003 vintage, so it goes well with a wider range of foods. Try it with your favorite seafood; the toasty oak notes make it especially good with smoked scallops or salmon. Tasting Notes: Classic gold in color, which will deepen with time. The flavors are rich and complex, with hints of apple and melon with a touch of smoky oak. Medium bodied, the wine will continue to gain richness with a year or two of aging. Status: Available |
|||||
|
|||||
<>| Home | About | Our Wines | Winery Tour | Critic's Choice | Contact | Order |<> |
|||||
Wilridge Winery 1416 34th Avenue Seattle, WA USA 206-325-3051 Email Us |
|||||
©1999-2005 Wilridge Winery |
|||||